He had some great forward packs, some pretty talented backs and players that had a good attitude and worked hard. That to me makes up part of a player, not just the "talent" or athleticism. All the talent doesn't mean much if the bloke can't use it properly. It doesn't matter how many tools you've got, you aren't a good builder unless you have the brains and ability to use them.
If I had to get a team to the 8 I'd much rather take that band of players than the current mob. I know what they'd give me. It feels like Cleary is getting all the credit for these guys, they still need to have the mentality to be coached. They still need the work ethic and the resolve. That's part of what makes those guys who they are. And it seems to be part of what holds this group back. Heart and toughness and work ethic aren't things that everyone has nor are they quick to learn.
And if you have a good pack, it obviously makes you much more competitive.
If we got some "supercoach", do we think he'd magically convert these players into an elite team? maybe we might see some improvement, like I said I'm not trying to defend Kearney, but I imagine more likely what we would see if a Bellamy type coach came along would be a clear out of the guys who aren't up to their standards and procurement of players who fit the mould they want.
